As in game one, Mennie again proved to be a consistent, miserly destroyer. His 5-61 (24) in the first innings restricted the South Africans to 304 and he removed several set batsmen. Only his five scalps were top-six batsmen. Was only called on to bowl seven overs (0-21) in the second dig.

Pete Handscomb, VIC, 25 – Man of the Match

Pistol Pete was moved up to number three and sparkled all the way to a clinical 137 (244). He hit 20 boundaries and dealt with international regular Wayne Parnell with ease, hitting seven boundaries off the man-banned left-armer alone.

Kurtis Patterson, NSW, 23

Kurtis got the call-up to open with Bancroft following Matt Renshaw’s omission through injury. He looked just as assured at the top of the order too, with 92 (146) in the first innings and a dominant 50 (48) in the second in pursuit of the 83-run target.

OTHERS

Chris Tremain, VIC, 24

Didn’t get the scalps he got in the first match, but bowled economically and without reward. 0-38 (23) in the first with 10 maidens, and 0-21 (15) in the second.

Marcus Stoinis, VIC, 26

Stoin-cat again made himself useful in both disciplines, although his bowling was arguably more impressive this time around. A hugely encouraging 1-28 (17.5) and 3-24 (11) to go with 22 (58) with the bat.

Cam Bancroft, WA, 23

The tenacious grafter was at it again, entrenching himself at the crease and ensuring his wicket came at a high price. He’ll be disappointed with 28 (91) in the first innings but was there at the end 32 (45) in the second.

Jake Lehmann, SA, 24

SOB (son of Boof) came in for the injured Renshaw and had a great chance to put on a telling partnership with his captain, Handscomb. Unfortunately, on 12 (28) he was run-out by a brilliant direct hit from close to the boundary and wouldn’t get another bat.

Scott Boland, VIC, 27

Came in for Franky Worrall and did okay, but didn’t set the world on fire. 0-73 (26) and 2-36 (16).

Sam Whiteman, WA, 24

Only the 20 (61) from the ‘keeper, who will be wanting to make an impression with the bat soon. Took four catches for the match.

Glenn Maxwell, VIC, 27

Finally, Maxi. His bowling was typically reliable, finishing with 1-41 (23) and 1-34 (13) in a pretty good display, at least economically. Was it hit or miss with the bat? He was caught behind with 13 (18), so that’s a miss.